In the 15th match of the ODI World Cup 2023, South Africa, currently in third place in the points table, faced the Netherlands, occupying the tenth spot. The surprises continued in the tournament as the Netherlands pulled off a significant upset on Tuesday.
Following Afghanistan’s surprising victory over England on Sunday, the ODI World Cup 2023 witnessed another unexpected turn of events. Dharamshala hosted the game, where South Africa, having won their previous matches against Sri Lanka and Australia, chose to bowl after winning the toss. The match, reduced to 43 overs per side due to rain delays, saw Gerald Coetzee replacing Shamsi, and Logan Van Beek coming in for Rory Klein.
Despite a slow start from Vikramjit Singh and Max O Dowd, the Dutch reached 245/8 in their allotted overs, with skipper Scott Edwards leading the fightback with an unbeaten 78 runs off 69 balls. Former South African player Roelof Van Der Merwe contributed 29 runs, and Aryan Dutt added a quick 23 not out from 9 balls with three sixes.
South African bowed down to spin
In their chase of 246 for victory, South Africa also had a slow start and lost De Kock, who scored 20 runs. Temba Bavuma was the subsequent dismissal, departing for 16. The Dutch spin combination of Van Der Merwe and Ackermann made early breakthroughs. Van Meekeren joined the action by dismissing Markram for 1, while Van Der Merwe had Van Der Dussen caught for 4.
Heinrich Klassen contributed 28 runs before being caught at fine leg by Singh off Van Beek. Gerald Coetzee and David Miller then forged a 36-run partnership for the 7th wicket before Van Beek dismissed David Miller for 43. The Dutch secured victory by 38 runs, triggering jubilant celebrations.
With this historic win, the Netherlands team have now jumped to eighth place leaving behind Australia and Sri Lanka.
Let us look at how Twitter has reacted to this victory from the Netherlands:
Congratulations to the team Netherlands for historic win over South Africa. This win will give them a believe. Cannot stop admiring the Dutch @KNCBcricket who did it the hard way in the qualifiers and are now making an impact here in world cup 2023.
Historic and Proud moment…
— Satya Prakash (@Satya_Prakash08) October 17, 2023
THEY HAVE DONE IT!
What a win!
Congratulations Netherlands ?? #SAvNED #CWC23
Whole World Cup has opened up pic.twitter.com/zKCuiaOKLa— Sammy ? (@sammyX39) October 17, 2023
Fourth Upset in a Row ?
India Beat Australia ??
India Beat Pakistan ??
Afghanistan Beat England ??
Netherlands Beat South Africa ????
— Maze (@Maze_6999) October 17, 2023
The inning that Dutch Captain Scott Edwards played today will be remembered for ages. Also, don't forget the all round contributions from 38 year old Van Der Merve.
— Baatein (@TeriMeriBaatein) October 17, 2023
Surprising victories by Afghanistan and the Netherlands showcase the unpredictable and thrilling nature of cricket. More upsets loading…
— Wyni Pang (@Wyni16) October 17, 2023
after 3 upsets in 4 days, one thing is clear that teams like netherlands, afghanistan and india aren't small teams anymore. happy to see that cricket is becoming famous in other countries as well. I'll not be surprised if one of these teams make their place in top 4
— World Cup ? (@WorldCup23_) October 17, 2023
Dil jashn jashn bole ??
— Akanksha ? (@aakaanshaaaa) October 17, 2023
What an upset probably the biggest
— CricXtra (@CricXtra_) October 17, 2023
Brilliant performance by Netherland ???
— Bolo Yaarrrr (@ShaRo45264) October 17, 2023
